Analysis of flux and energy efficiency for hollow fiber module in direct contact membrane distillation process

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment 2017-05, Vol.77, p.30-38
• Main Authors: Park, Youngkyu, Shin, Yonghyun, Choi, Jihyuk, Choi, Yongjun, Lee, Sangho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Direct contact membrane distillation; Energy balance; Membrane module; Performance ratio; Recovery
• ISSN: 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2017.20663

Although membrane distillation (MD) holds promise as an emerging desalination technology, relatively few studies were carried out to analyze energy efficiency of MD modules. Accordingly, this study intended to establish an energy balance for a 1 m2 hollow fiber MD module. Experiments were carried out under a semi-pilot direct contact MD equipment. The feed and distillate temperatures were adjusted from 50°C to 60°C and from 25°C to 35°C, respectively. The feed and distillate flow rates ranged from 0.6 to 1.2 m3/h. A performance ratio was evaluated from a thermal energy balance in each operation condition. Results showed that the feed flow rate and temperature difference greatly affect water flux (productivity) and performance ratio (energy efficiency). The conductive heat loss through the membrane was found to be substantial, which decreased with a reduction in the temperature difference. The performance ratio was proportional to the single pass water recovery of the MD module, suggesting that the sufficient feed flow rate is required for efficient operation of MD.